PLAY, LEARN, GROW

The Playful Parent

The Playful Parent was created in 2016 as a blog to share the joys and craziness of parenting. The founder of The Playful Parent is a full time domestic energizer and has a Bachelors from Marymount University and a Masters in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.

EASTER BUNNY HOPS INTO TOWN Date: Starting March 9, 2018Time: During regular mall hoursLocation: St. Charles Towne CenterDetails: March 9-31, 2018 the Bunny will be available at the mall for visits and photos.Cost: FREEInformation: Event Link

Date: FRIDAYSTime: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMLocation: Family Place to Play, Waldorf, MDDetails: Family Place to Play Fun Center is a large indoor playground that can accommodate private parties and also is a great place to bring kids to play. Open Play provides many different ways for kids to be stimulated both physically and mentally.Event Type: Free PlayAge Group: All AgesCost: $11 (2 Hours)/ 2 and under $6.60Registration: Drop- In Welcomehttps://familyplacetoplay.com/ways-to-play/

EARLY LITERACY – DAHLGREN LIBRARY (BASE ACCESS ONLY)Date: Every FridayTime: 10:00 AMLocation: Dahlgren LibraryDetails: Early literacy is a great way to meet other parents and caregivers.All ages are welcome at every storytime, encouraging reading, talking, singing, and play are proven ways to encourage brain development, even in babies! Join us at the library every Friday at 10am for songs, stories, crafts, and playtime! Friday storytimes will include baby geared songs as well as books and crafts for pre-school ages.Event Type: WorkshopAge Group: 1-5 Years OldCost: FREEInformation: STEM EVENT LINK

TOTSICLESDate: FRIDAY’S ONGOINGTime: 10:00 AM- 11 AM (UPDATED NEW TIME AS OF MARCH 2018)Description: A half-hour of self-paced orientation to movement on ice, followed by a cup of hot cocoa and a story read aloud in our warm lobby. Stickers for all after storytime! Children may wear skates or shoes for snow and ice (no smooth-sole or open-toe shoes). Adults wear shoes for snow and ice.Location: Capital Club HouseEvent Type: Parent/ChildAge Group(s): 2-5Registration: Not RequiredCost: $7/VisitMore Information: https://www.charlescountyparks.com

Little JumpersDate : Most M/W/F (Always check Pump It Up site first)Time : 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMLocation: Pump It Up WaldorfDetails : This special open jump is for our guests aged 1-6 years old only. If you’re worried about older kids running around the smaller ones, this is the perfect time for your little jumpers. Our designated toddler area is for 1yrs-3yrs only. 2 yrs-6yrs are allowed to jump on the inflatables. Daycares are more than welcome to participate in Little Jumpers. We ask that if you are going to bring more than 5 participants that you call ahead to let us know.Cost: $5.00 per childInformation: https://www.pumpitupparty.com/waldorf-md/calendar/

***ALWAYS CHECK THE SCHEDULE OR CALL FIRST TO MAKE SURE LITTLE JUMPERS IS STILL ON THE CALENDAR. ***

Date/Time: Every Mon/Wed/Fri 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM & Saturday’s 12:00 PM -12:45 PMLocation: Elite Gymnastics, Waldorf, MD 20603Details: The Parent & Toddler Drop In program is a great opportunity for caregivers to spend quality time with their little one while they develop; body awareness, balance, fitness, listening and social skills, plus fun and activities using gymnastic apparatus. Parent Supervision is required. Parent/Guardian must be within arm’s reach of a child at all times. 2 children per adult.***Always call to confirm this event is taking place. Sometimes they are canceled last minute. Center follows school closure schedule.***Ages Group: 6 months-5 yrs oldCost: $5 Per childInformation: www.charlescountyparks.com/recreation/recreation

Roller-skating is one way for kids to get some exercise and it’s something the whole family can do. Waldorf Roller Skating Center Roller and Inline Skating Rink offers open skating, where the rink is open to the public, as well as private access to the skating rink for events such as a birthday party. The rink offers rentals for regular roller skates and you are free to bring your own regular or inline skates. For beginners, skating classes are available for kids and adults of all ages. ***Always call first or check site before attending event***

Details: A musical about…”Ti Moune, a peasant girl, rescues a wealthy boy from the other side of the island, Daniel, with whom she falls in love. Unbeknownst to Ti Moune, the pompous gods who preside over the island make a bet with one another over which is stronger, love or death, the stakes being Ti Moune’s life. When she pursues Daniel, who has returned to his people, Ti Moune is shunned because of her lowly status. Her determination and capacity to love, though, is not enough to win Daniel’s heart, and Ti Moune pays the ultimate price; but the gods turn Ti Moune into a tree that grows so strong and so tall, it breaks the wall that separates the societies and ultimately unites them.”

ABOUT THE CREATOR OF THE PLAYFUL PARENT

The Playful Parent was created by Kristy a mother of two energetic boys. She has a Bachelors degree with a interest in Secondary Education and Masters in Clinical Community Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. “I believe that children learn through play! I love to do fun things with my children and hope that sharing our adventures provides other families with inspiration and resources that lead to quality time together and a love for learning!” This non profit 501c3 organization was started so parents would have a family friendly place to come to, feel supported and leave with information that is useful. This site is kept advertisement and influence free in order to keep the site from clutter and bias opinion. Your support, feedback, likes and comments are essential; this site was designed to connect the community. The Playful Parent offers resources such as guides, calendars and ideas for making learning fun. In addition, TPP is present in the community and hosts a handful of events to support SOMD in raising healthy families.